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Condolences

This news of Bob’s passing came as a shock to me this morning, as I didn’t know he was ill. I have known him since junior high school, & he was always a kind, gentle, quiet, wonderful soul. I am so grateful to have known him. My deepest condolences to his family.

I enjoyed talking to Mr. Bob in the early mornings while I delivered his newspaper. I would often see him filling up all his bowls that he laid on his porch to feed all the critters that showed up to get free food. I asked him one day, Mr. Bob, do your cats ever get aggressive and try to run off all the raccoons? I loved to see his White cat and the tuxedo cat sitting on a chair in front of his window and was scared more than once by as many as six raccoons running in the front yard. He said to me, you know? We all have learned how to coexist. I thought, how wonderful it would be if we all were a little more like him. This world would be a much better place! Thank you Mr. Bob for your warmth, kind spirit and wise words. The people and all your animal friends in the Barker neighborhood will miss you. Condolences to the Fambrough family.

Bob was the kind of person who never knew a stranger. His family was always a number 1 priority, and he kept in touch with all of them no matter what he was doing. He planned, financed and enjoyed family vacations and outings with each of them, especially loving it when the whole family could be present . He was probably the most generous dad/grandpa I ever saw. I was in Petoskie, Michigan several years ago with the Fambroughs, and Bob and I had fun grocery shopping together to keep everyone full! My hope is that his generous, hard-working, and fun-loving spirit will remain an inspiration to all who knew him.

Mr. Fam created a warm environment for all of us youngsters to be ourselves and he never criticized. We could be wild crazy kids but his love and generosity was unwavering. I remember his amazing guacamole dip and his beer butt chicken. All the movie nights and long political discussions. I will miss our dinners in Lawrence and his visits to California. Our adventures on the Pacific coast and getting tattoos on Haight street. Some perceived him as a quiet man because didn’t always need to be speak, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have his strong opinions. He brought light to our lives when we sometimes felt there was none. There are very few people that touch a person’s life the way he did. I wish I could have one more dinner and one more hug. He will be in my heart forever. Love you Mr. Fam.

Grandpa B was very nice and he loved every person on the planet. Me and my family had good times with him. I remember when we saw a black bear on a vacation once, and he went right up to it! Another fun moment was when he and my mom brought jello to my class for a class party. After I got home, I gave him some of the jello. He is still loved by everyone, and will be deeply missed.

I have so many fond memories of my dad, but my favorite has to be when he walked me down the aisle on my wedding day. The air was filled with excitement and anticipation, and there was a rush to get to the church on time (typical of the Fambrough kids in such situations!). My dad and I hopped in the car and rushed down the highway – more accurately, followed the speed limit minus 10 miles an hour or so, but somehow, as he always managed, we pulled up to the church with just enough time for me to put on my dress and meet him in the hall.

He was giddy with excitement, and sort of bounced where he stood and with each step he took. He gathered with the girls just outside the sanctuary as we all took our places and readied ourselves to play our parts. I remember linking arms with my dad and sharing in a private moment of sheer pride with him. It was time. We walked in synchronized step, with matching tooth-grin smiles on our faces as we approached the altar. When we finally arrived, we hugged before entering into the next phases of our lives.

I felt the same sense of pride when he held my first born for the first time, and my second born, and my third. I felt that pride when he arrived in his van or Beast to all the far-away destinations where our family would reunite. I feel it any time I gaze upon any picture I took of him or that he took of loved ones and great times spent together.

When I last spoke with him, I told him I was so proud of him, so proud of how he lived his life. I told him that twice on Wednesday. He wasn’t able to manage many words then, but with the last bit of energy and breath that he had left, he responded both times, “I’m proud of you.”
That was my dad. Even where he was receiving praise, he would be sure to praise others and accept words of kindness by reflecting those words back onto you.

What I remember most about my dad was his drive to connect with people, and how he would nurture a love that existed while consistently laying ground for new love to grow. All he ever wanted out of life was to know that everyone else was ok. All he ever needed in life was love, and he was love’s sponsor through and through.

Words can’t express how proud I am to have had such a wonderful father.

I knew Bob through his dad. Bob was one of the nicest men I have met. He was always kind and made everyone around him feel good. Bob was always very supportive and a great son to his mom and coach Fam. I know they were both very proud of Bob. I always thought it spoke so much for Bob and Preston how unselfish they were with their dad -sharing him with so many of his players. Bob loved his family very much and he made me feel welcome into his circle. I regret not being able to go to his service as I wasn’t in town and didn’t know of his passing. I send my thoughts and prayers to the family. Bob was a great man.

Bob’s death was a shock to me as well. I knew him up close and personal many years ago, and I have thought of him often. I enjoyed reading the comments of his family and friends which filled in some of the holes for me since I have not seen him since we were 20 years old. My thoughts are with Preston whom I do know, but also with this family whom I never met. Thinking of you, Bob.